In what has been the closest match of the 2016 World T20 thus far, New Zealand beat Trans-Tasman rivals Australia by 8 runs in Dharamsala on Friday (18 Mar). The Kiwis entered the tournament with the highest impact bowling unit, and it delivered yet again as they delivered a modest total for a second time in as many matches.

Despite a scratchy innings with the bat, Glenn Maxwell finished as the highest impact player of the match for his all-round showing. Maxwell had a productive day on the field, claiming two catches, effecting a run-out and also picking two top/middle order wickets in a decent 3-over spell. He was the third-highest scorer for Australia, but could not power the chase with his usual gusto.

Martin Guptill was the highest impact batsman, and the Blackcaps’ highest impact player, of the match. Scoring 28% of New Zealand’s runs, he set the tone for their innings which was highlighted by a 61-run stand for the first wicket off just seven overs. He 27-ball-39 also had the highest Strike Rate Impact . Guptill was the second-highest impact player of the match.

Mitchell McClenaghan was the highest impact bowler, and third-highest impact player, of the match following a match-winning spell that included three top/middle order wickets. He had Partnership-Breaking Impact too, and proved why he is the highest impact pace bowler in T20 (domestic and international) cricket history. He was also adjudged ‘player of the match’. Ish Sodhi, meanwhile, had the highest Economy Impact for his highly restrictive spell.

Nine players from New Zealand registered a Match Impact of at least one. Australia, in comparison, had six such players. Based on each side’s performance, New Zealand had a 24% higher impact than Australia in the match.